GamCare Announces Service Expansion Into South Wales With Treatment Partner ARA

2nd January 2013

GamCare is today announcing service expansion into South Wales with existing treatment partner the Addiction Recovery Agency (ARA).

The GamCare network of treatment partners provides treatment across Great Britain for those who need sustained help to deal with their gambling problems. ARA provides counselling services for anyone experiencing gambling problems.

Kim Hartman, GamCare’s Partners Manager said:

“We are delighted to be able to expand face-to-face counselling services into South Wales. GamCare provides the national Freephone HelpLine and a range of online support services however face-to-face support is also often required. ARA's counsellors are trained by GamCare to provide support to anyone experiencing a gambling problem. ARA delivers GamCare counselling across Bristol and North Somerset and we are really pleased to expand this service into South Wales.

Peter Walker, Chief Executive of the Addiction Recovery Agency said:

“We are delighted with the new funding for treatment provided by GamCare. For almost two years we have been researching the needs of problem gamblers in South Wales and forging local partnerships designed to raise awareness and deliver services. We have identified a clear need for treatment services and this new funding is a real boost that will deliver much needed help to problem gamblers in South Wales. ”

Editor notes

1. GamCare is the national provider of education, advice, practical help, support and treatment for anyone affected by problem gambling. Founded in 1997, the GamCare HelpLine receives nearly 100 calls a day with more than 85% of clients rating the service as “very good” or “excellent”. In 2011/12 GamCare treated more than 2,700 clients. Around 90% of gamblers in treatment are assessed as problem gamblers; this reduces to around 30% at the end of treatment. GamCare’s return on investment is estimated at 7:1.

2. GamCare supports best practice within the gambling industry through training, GamCare Certification, consultation and training. GamCare Certification is an internationally recognised third party accreditation available for gaming, betting and lottery products across land-based, mobile gaming and internet platforms. GamCare training is face-to-face or via GamCare ExTra e-learning.

3. ARA, Addiction Recovery Agency, is a major provider of treatment and support services for people in Bristol and North Somerset affected by drugs, alcohol and problem gambling. ARA provides counselling for problem gamblers in partnership with GamCare and is developing a prevention, education and brief intervention service with local partners in South Wales with funding provided by the Responsible Gambling Trust. ARA currently provides a service to young people in schools and colleges in Bristol around the risks associated with drugs and alcohol and last year saw over 2400 young people.